Method and system for providing a bonus award to multiple players playing gaming machines on a network based on a winning outcome at a single linked machine

ABSTRACT

A method and system for awarding a bonus to all eligible players on a gaming network is disclosed. A network of video poker machines in communication with a common controller facilitates one version of the invention. In response to one machine of the network generating a pre-established winning game outcome (e.g., four of a kind), the common controller causes each other player playing a machine on the network to be awarded a bonus. For example, the pre-established game winning outcome may be a minimum poker hand rank, specific poker hand rank and/or primary game winning dollar amount. An icon or audio tone notifies players of the bonus award. To be eligible for the bonus award, players may be required to play maximum coins or units on their machines and/or be identified as a player&#39;s club member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to electronic gaming devices and a method of playing the same. More particularly, the embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and system whereby, in response to one or more pre-established game outcomes on a single electronic gaming device, one or more players playing on linked electronic gaming devices may be provided a bonus award.

BACKGROUND

Electronic gaming devices, such as slot machines, video poker machines and keno machines, now generate more revenue than table games. Specifically, the popularity of video poker machines has increased with the number of game variations being offered. Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker and Triple Play Poker are just a few of the video poker variations now being offered to patrons.

In most instances, video poker is premised on players attempting to obtain the highest ranking poker hand possible. Conventionally, five cards from a simulated deck of playing cards are first displayed on a device screen. The player may then hold or discard each card in an effort to improve the rank of the poker hand. Each discard is replaced with a new card from the remaining cards in the simulated deck. The poker rank of the final five cards dictates a player payout. The stronger the rank of the final poker hand the greater the corresponding payout. The many variations of video poker do not typically alter the underlying concept of seeking to obtain the strongest possible final poker hand rank.

The popularity of video poker and other electronic gaming devices is attributable to the ease and quickness of play and the opportunity for large payouts. For example, regarding video poker, a final poker hand rank of a royal flush typically pays 800 to 1. However, based on the probabilities, not all players realize large, or even modest, payouts during their game sessions. Therefore, it would be advantageous to involve a greater number of players in certain pre-established outcomes. The inventors hereof have developed a method and system whereby each player playing a video poker machine (or other gaming device) on a network of commonly linked devices is afforded an opportunity to win a bonus award based on each other player's winning game outcome. The linked machines may be linked via a system of wires, wirelessly or using any other communicative means.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention comprise a plurality of electronic gaming machines forming a network; bonus awarding means in communication with each electronic gaming machine forming the network; and wherein response to one of the plurality of electronic gaming machines generating one or more pre-established winning game outcomes, said common controller causing each other eligible player playing an electronic gaming machine on the network to receive a bonus award.

In one specific embodiment, a gaming system utilizes a plurality of linked gaming devices, such as video poker machines. A poker hand rank or minimum poker hand rank is designated as a bonus triggering outcome. For example, a poker hand having a rank of four of a kind may be designated as the minimum poker hand rank. Should a player playing on one of the linked video poker machines obtain a hand having a rank equivalent to, or higher than, the pre-established minimum poker hand rank, the player wins a corresponding conventional payout and each other player playing a video poker machine on the same network wins a bonus award. In this manner, all players playing on a machine linked to a group of commonly linked machines benefit from outcomes on each other linked machine.

Alternatively, the bonus triggering event may be a pre-established award amount. For example, any player winning a single award in excess of $100 may trigger a bonus payment to other players playing commonly linked machines.

As described in more detail below, gaming establishments may limit the bonus awards to only players playing maximum coins or units. Such a requirement encourages players to play the maximum number of coins thereby maximizing the profits of the establishment offering the unique method and system. Players may also be required to identify themselves to a player tracking system in order to be eligible for a bonus award.

Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a screen of a conventional video poker machine;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram schematic of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a pay table for a jacks or better video poker machine;

FIG. 4 shows a screen of a video poker machine participating in one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart detailing a video poker embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The operation of video poker machines, slot machines and keno machines is controlled by microprocessors which communicate with internal memory devices and the external features of the machines. The microprocessors also incorporate, or communicate with, a random number generator which ensures the randomness of the machines' outcomes. In the embodiments of the present invention, one or more processors, along with memory and related devices, control the new applications disclosed herein. Since the technology for operating and controlling these machines is well known to those skilled in the art, the subtle details are not described herein.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.

While the detailed description below focuses on video poker machines, the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented with slot machines, keno machines and/or other electronic gaming devices or machines as well.

Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. FIG. 1 shows a video poker touch screen generally referred to by reference numeral 100. The screen 100 displays five cards 110-1 through 110-5, pay table 120 and credit meter 130. Interface icons include a one coin/unit wager icon 140, maximum coins/units icon 150, deal/draw icon 160, hold card icons 170 and cash out icon 180. The embodiments of the present invention are just as conducive to video poker machines without touch screen technology. In other words, video poker machines having a one coin/unit wager button, maximum coin/unit wager button, deal/draw button, hold card buttons and cash out button may also participate in the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a plurality of linked video poker machines 200-1 through 200-N forming a network. Each machine 200-1 through 200-N is coupled to card reader 205 and communicates with a central or common controller 210, such as a programmed central server or similar computer device. Player tracking system software may also act as the controller. It is conceivable that the common controller 210 may be incorporated in one of the machines 200-1 through 200-N or reside in a remote location. The common controller 210 utilizes computer software, embedded or remotely located, to manage the embodiments of the present invention.

Networks of video poker machines are found on many casino floors. In addition, gaming regulations in the state of Nevada permit bars, restaurants and grocery and convenience stores to hold restricted gaming licenses. A restricted gaming license allows the identified establishments to operate a maximum of 15 video poker machines. Accordingly, while video poker machines are located in a majority of class I gaming jurisdictions, they are even more prevalent in Nevada. In bars and restaurants the machines are often bar top machines rather than stand alone machines which are found in casinos, grocery stores and convenience stores.

Most electronic gaming devices, including video poker machines, are now linked to player tracking systems. Players access, and identify themselves to, the player tracking system by inserting a slot club card, players' club card or player tracking card into a card reader coupled to the subject machine. Other identification means are also available. Upon reading the inserted card, the card reader causes the player to be identified and his or her information on a central database to be accessed. The central database maintains and stores information (e.g., time played, coins-in, coins-out, theoretical win, etc.) related to each of the player's gaming sessions. Casinos and related establishments use the gathered information to form direct marketing campaigns and to reward regular players with complimentaries (a/k/a comps). The embodiments of the present invention may be installed as part of a player tracking system or may be installed as an independent system.

In all embodiments of the present invention, each player playing on a machine 200-1 through 200-N linked to the network and/or linked to the common central controller 210 may be eligible for a bonus award dependent upon game outcomes obtained by each other player playing on a machine 200-1 through 200-N linked to the network and/or linked to the common central controller 210. The common controller 210 may be connected to a player tracking system 215 as discussed below. Ideally, only players identified by the player tracking system are eligible for bonus awards. As detailed above, inserting a player tracking card is one exemplary method for a player to become eligible for a bonus award. Such a requirement encourages players to sign-up for a gaming establishment's players' club which permits the gaming establishment to better track its players and their habits. Consequently, the gaming establishment is better equipped to market services and promotions to its players.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, a pre-established minimum poker hand rank is designated as a bonus trigger. For example, four of a kind may be designated as the minimum poker hand rank. Consequently, a player obtaining a final poker hand equivalent to, or higher than, four of a kind, triggers the central controller 210 to award each other eligible player a bonus. Any winning outcome (e.g., a pair of Jacks or better) may be used as the bonus triggering outcome. The exact dollar amount of the bonus is dictated by the establishment offering the game. A typical video poker pay table pays 125 to 1 on a final poker hand having a rank of four of a kind. Accordingly, each other player playing a machine on the network may be awarded a fixed bonus (e.g., 10 coins/units). Alternatively, each player may be awarded a pro-rata share of a fixed pot or pool. For example, a fixed pot may be set to 50 coins/units such that a single player receives 50 coins/units or five players each receive 10 coins/units.

It is also possible that the awards may be dependent upon the rank of the poker hand such that the higher the rank of the bonus triggering poker hand, the greater the bonus award. Therefore, although both hands qualify as a bonus triggering hand, four Aces may provide a larger bonus than four tens.

It is further possible that the denomination of play of each linked player determines the amount of their corresponding bonus. Therefore, the common controller 210 or similar device determines the amount of each linked player's wager at the time the bonus triggering event occurred. The controller 210 is then responsible for disbursing the bonus awards accordingly. For example, it is assumed that three players are playing on a system of linked video poker machines, Player A obtains a bonus triggering game outcome (e.g., four Kings) while Player B is playing 3 units and Player is playing 5 units (i.e., maximum units). In response to Player A obtaining a bonus triggering outcome (e.g., four Kings), the controller 210 provides Player B with a first bonus award based on three wagered units and provides Player C with a second, larger bonus award based on five wagered units.

In another embodiment, a single pre-established poker hand rank, rather than a minimum poker rank, is designated as the bonus trigger. For example, a straight flush or royal flush may be designated as the lone bonus trigger.

The bonus awards contemplated herein may also be progressive in nature. Progressive jackpots are well-known in the industry and comprise jackpots which increase in value until they are won. Accordingly, a progressive jackpot may be funded initially at $1000. The jackpot value then increases until it is won by a player. Increasing the jackpot is typically accomplished by allocating a portion of each wager on each subject machine to the jackpot. Once the progressive jackpot is won, it is re-set to its initial value; $1000 in this example. Progressive jackpots may be affiliated with a single machine or networks of machines.

With the embodiments of the present invention, all eligible players share in the progressive jackpot upon the occurrence of a bonus triggering hand. Progressive jackpots can become large when the bonus triggering poker hand is difficult to obtain (e.g., straight flush or royal flush).

Optionally, to maximize profits, any establishment offering the bonus concept disclosed herein may require players to wager maximum coins/units to participate in the bonus award. If so, only players playing a machine linked to the common controller 210 and playing maximum coins/units are eligible to receive a bonus award dependent on another player's game outcome. Conventionally, video poker machines accept up to five coins/units. FIG. 3 shows a conventional pay table for a Jacks or better five coin video poker machine. The pay table includes a built-in bonus for a Royal Flush with five coins/units inserted. The bonus encourages players to play maximum coins/units. The house benefits from players playing maximum coins/units.

In another embodiment, the bonus trigger is a minimum game payout. For example, a winning game payout of $100 or more triggers the bonus award such that other eligible players receive a pre-established bonus award or share in a fixed pool or progressive jackpot. This type of bonus trigger is ideal for linked or networked slot machines. The minimum game award still necessitates a player obtaining a winning game outcome. However, the trigger is now based on a winning outcome in combination with the size of the player's wager.

FIG. 4 shows a video poker screen 300 offering the bonus award disclosed herein. A notification window 310 notifies the player whether he or she is eligible for a bonus award based on outcomes of other machines on the network or linked to the common controller 210. The window may be as simple as a blinking light or, as shown, may include text notifying the player of the bonus award and the amount. Advantageously, the window 310 may also be used to notify the player that the player missed an award because he or she was not eligible for a distributed bonus award since the player was not playing maximum coins/units. Similarly, a notification may be displayed on all active machines alerting players that they missed a bonus award because they are not a member of the gaming establishment's players' club. The notification may include players' club sign-up instructions. As further encouragement to sign-up for the gaming establishment's players' club, the notification may indicate that the player is eligible to collect the missed bonus award if the player signs up for the players' club within a pre-established time period (e.g., 30 minutes). A separate text display may also be connected to the machine to notify players. Optionally, an audible tone alerts players that they have won a bonus award. Ideally, the bonus award is instantly credited to the one or more machines of eligible players such that it is available for immediate play. Alternatively, the bonus award may be directed to a player account managed by a player tracking system such that it is made available at a next gaming session or some future time.

The common controller 210 or other system device may also track time between each player's game plays to prevent players from playing a small number of games and then sitting idle while waiting for a bonus award associated with another player's game outcome. In this manner, upon the occurrence of a bonus triggering outcome, prior to disbursing the bonus awards, the controller 210 checks the time since each linked machine was played. If the time exceeds a pre-established period, no award is disbursed to the corresponding machine.

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart 400 detailing the embodiments of the present invention. At step 410, one or more pre-established outcomes are designated and programmed into a common controller of a network of video poker machines. At step 420, the common controller of the network recognizes that multiple players are playing video poker machines on the network. Step 420 can be accomplished using a player tracking system but it does not have to be. At step 430, it is determined whether any winning outcome corresponds to a pre-established bonus triggering outcome. If so, at step 440, it is determined whether any other players are eligible for a bonus award. Eligibility may be incumbent upon playing maximum coins/units during the player's gaming session, identifying themselves to a p[layer tracking system and/or time in between plays. At step 450, the common controller causes each eligible player to receive a bonus. Optionally, at step 460, a visual icon and/or audio tone is activated to notify each player that he or she has been awarded a bonus.

Funding the bonus awards may be accomplished by collecting a small percentage of all player wagers. Alternatively, the payback percentage of the participating machines may be decreased to accommodate the payment of the bonus awards. By way of example, the bonus awards may be funded by reducing the payback percentage of each linked video poker machine from 98% to 95%.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims. 

1. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of electronic gaming machines forming a network; bonus awarding means in communication with each electronic gaming machine forming the network; and wherein response to one of the plurality of electronic gaming machines generating one or more pre-established winning game outcomes, said common controller causing each other eligible player playing an electronic gaming machine on the network to receive a bonus award.
 2. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the bonus awarding means is a common controller.
 3. The gaming system of claim 2 wherein the common controller is a computer server.
 4. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the electronic gaming machines are video poker machines.
 5. The gaming system of claim 4 wherein the one or more pre-established winning game outcomes comprise minimum poker hand ranks.
 6. The gaming system of claim 4 wherein the one or more pre-established winning game outcomes comprise specific poker hand ranks.
 7. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the one or more pre-established winning game outcomes comprise minimum game outcome award amounts.
 8. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said network of electronic gaming machines are located in a single establishment.
 9. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said electronic gaming machines include means for notifying players of a bonus award.
 10. The gaming system of claim 9 wherein the means comprises a display of the electronic gaming machines.
 11. The gaming system of claim of 10 wherein the display is capable of displaying text messages.
 12. The gaming system of claim 9 wherein the means comprises a speaker for generating an audible tone.
 13. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein eligible players are the players playing maximum coins or units.
 14. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein only identified club members are eligible for a bonus award.
 15. A video poker gaming system comprising: a plurality of video poker machines linked to common controller; and wherein response to one of the plurality of video poker machines generating one or more pre-established winning game outcomes, said common controller causing each other eligible player playing a video poker machine linked to the common controller to receive a bonus award.
 16. The gaming system of claim 15 wherein the one or more pre-established outcomes comprise minimum poker hand ranks.
 17. The gaming system of claim 15 wherein the one or more pre-established outcomes comprise specific poker hand ranks.
 18. The gaming system of claim 15 wherein said network of electronic gaming machines are located in a single establishment.
 19. The gaming system of claim 15 wherein said electronic gaming machines include means for notifying players of a bonus award.
 20. The gaming system of claim 19 wherein the means comprises a display of the electronic gaming machines.
 21. The gaming system of claim of 20 wherein the display is capable of displaying text messages.
 22. The gaming system of claim 19 wherein the means comprises a speaker for generating an audible tone.
 23. The gaming system of claim 15 wherein eligible players are the players playing maximum coins or units.
 24. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein only identified club members are eligible for a bonus award.
 25. A method of gaming comprising: providing a network of electronic gaming machines in communication with a common controller; and in response to one of said electronic gaming machines generating one or more pre-established winning game outcomes, triggering one or more electronic gaming machines on the network to award corresponding eligible players a bonus.
 26. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising the common controller being a computer server.
 27. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising the electronic gaming machines being video poker machines.
 28. The method of gaming claim 25 further comprising establishing a minimum poker hand rank as the one or more pre-established outcomes.
 29. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising establishing a specific poker hand rank as the one or more pre-established outcomes.
 30. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising locating all said electronic gaming machines of said network in a single establishment.
 31. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising notifying players of a bonus award.
 32. The method of gaming of claim 31 further comprising utilizing a display of the electronic gaming machines to notify the players of a bonus award.
 33. The method of gaming of claim of 32 wherein the display is capable of displaying text messages.
 34. The method of gaming of claim 31 further comprising utilizing a speaker for generating an audible tone to notify players of a bonus award.
 35. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising requiring a player to play maximum coins or units to be eligible for a bonus award.
 36. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising requiring a player to identify themselves to a player tracking system prior to play in order to be eligible for a bonus award. 